What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this version of Elmore Leonard's classic crime caper Get Shorty is intended for mature viewers thanks to its violent content (which ranges from brutal torture scenes to point-blank shootings and bloody corpses) and endless cursing. It also contains lots of sexual innuendo and crude references, as well as visible drinking and cigarette smoking.

What's the story?

Inspired by Elmore Leonard's best-selling novel of the same name, the Epix series GET SHORTY follows Miles Daly (played by Chris O'Dowd), who's looking for something more in life than working for a Nevada crime ring. Daly, along with Louis Darnell (Sean Bridgers), is the the muscle for a group of violent gangsters headed up by casino owner Amara de Escalones (Lidia Porto) and her nephew, Yago (Goya Robles). After unexpectedly coming across a script, he cooks up a money laundering scheme that will allow him to produce a film with washed-up Hollywood producer Rick Moreweather (Ray Romano). It's complicated and dangerous, but Daly sees this as an opportunity to rebuild his relationship with his estranged wife, Katie (Lucy Walters), and spend more time with his his daughter, 12-year-old Emma, aka "Shorty" (Carolyn Dodd), while giving his life renewed meaning.

Is it any good?

Like the popular 1995 movie, this well-written and expertly produced book adaptation tells an entertaining story filled with dark humor. But the series' episodic format allows for a richer and more nuanced narrative, which works well with the more contemporary setting.

The content is edgier than in the film version. Nonetheless, chances are that fans of the now classic film will probably appreciate what this version of Get Shorty has to offer. But there's no doubt that the overall series will attract a new audience.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about adapting books to become movies and TV series. What do you think the challenges would be? What can you accomplish on TV versus film? Do you think this version of Get Shorty is a good adaptation?

This version of Get Shorty has a more diverse cast than the one in the film. Why? How does this impact the overall story?

Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century.

Headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C.

Help center

Follow Common Sense Media

Common Sense, Common Sense Media, Common Sense Education, and Common Sense Kids Action, associated names, associated trademarks, and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN 41-2024986).